Coach's anal cyst

[Coach]

Coach's analysis

There are certain realities a coach must accept if he is to put his team in the best possible position to win. For us, its this:


1 ) It's tough to win an NFL game if you minus in the turnover department.


2 ) Ben isn't Brees or Brady. I'm not saying he can't be better, I'm saying if you ask him throw if 50 or more times, you're going to get an interception or two. You might get three. Some might be his fault, others a receivers fault, but over the course of his career, we know this to be true. Yes, he can bring the team back in the 4th quarter against the odds ( Example Jaguars game), but that such magic is unlikely in a playoff game of vs. a playoff bound team.


3 ) This defense isn't very good at creating turnovers. They can not " win a game for us with a pick-six, or limit a high scoring offense to half of what they usually score. Our special teams can take one to the house either.


The reason main reason we lost to the Ravens, Broncos, Chiefs, and tied the Browns is turnovers. Penalties, and coaching around situation football, plus our kicker being shaky are reasons as well. If I could buy Tomlin something for Christmas, it would be Sun Tzu , the Art of War. Though the book is mostly about warfare, much of it was applicable to business, sports or life. This Tzu was a social genius. One quote, know your enemy and know yourself and you win every battle. We don't really know ourselves. Our weakness is turnovers yet we call too many plays to risk them. We aren't prepared. In the Denver game, we knew they were good at blocking kicks. Yet we were not ready for it. This is the second blocked field goal for the season. We continue to win with superior talent, and sometimes subterfuge. Seldom do with win with excellent preparation and execution. If this were boxing, the Steelers are always going for the knockout, but we often leave our chin unguarded, which allows the other team a puncher's chance.

Is there a solution to the above mess? Yes, its call playing more power football and not having games where Ben threw if 56 times and the Steelers only ran it 16. If the game was a blow out loss, these numbers would be acceptable. This game was close.


If you broke down the tape, I bet you'd find the turnovers don't happen as much with Nix on the field. Coach Tomlin needs to STOP paying Washington. He's a zero. Put in Nix, and play more power football. Use play action. Go with two tight end sets. If you need to go 4 wide on 2nd and long or 3rd and long, no problem. But passing it all the time, when you know your defense isn't going to take the ball away is a recipe for being minus in the turnover department. And we aren't likely to be the best teams when that happens.


The fate of our season will be determined not by how many big plays the Steelers have, rather how many turnovers we allow the other team to obtain.

 

[slashsteel]

Balance on offense is a key, the Steelers need to establish the run as in be effective early at it. But if teams stack, then they need to pass efficiently. Limit the fumbles, dropped passes, and interceptions. In the red zone within 5 yards, run heavy. Throw the ball away if need be. I wouldn't call Washington a zero, but he should get less opportunities until he starts to come on. The two TE formations should increase as the Steelers have two capable TEs provided McDonald is healthy.

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[SteelerSask2]

A couple of observations.
1) winning masks everything. The Steelers should have lost the week before in Jax. Jax lost to the Buffalo Bills last week. Right now at this instant the Steelers are not playing good football. Two bad performances vs. Two bad teams. But I feel the Steelers should have beat the Broncos and lost to Jax so they really are where they should be.
2) it is a fine line. For about 2/3 of the game the Pat'd* sucked balls against the Jets. If they play in Denver like that they probably lose.
3) Run the ****** ball.

 

[Coach]

Balance on offense is a key, the Steelers need to establish the run as in be effective early at it. But if teams stack, then they need to pass efficiently. Limit the fumbles, dropped passes, and interceptions. In the red zone within 5 yards, run heavy. Throw the ball away if need be. I wouldn't call Washington a zero, but he should get less opportunities until he starts to come on. The two TE formations should increase as the Steelers have two capable TEs provided McDonald is healthy.

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At this point in the season, we just can’t afford to wait for Washington.His catch per target ratiois very poor.I wonder if Wide ReceiverTevin Jones ( on the practice squad I think ) could offer better at this point in time. He looked good in one pre-season game.

Less Washington means the chance to replace him with Nix or an extra Tight end to run the ball. James has been clutch this year. I'd swap the two out.

 

[ark steel]

At this point, I'd rather have the extra TE instead of Washington. Can keep that TE in to block or run a pattern, with Ben audible to that at the line.

 

[Lmob0621]

Not trying to be rude, but I'm sure Nathan Peterman looked good in one preseason game too.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

 

[Ike Kelly]

Sure, let’s let a practice squad WR replace an active WR on our roster. Part of Washington’s struggle is the lack of chemistry with Ben. Jones definitely has more practice time with Ben. Brilliant idea Coach. I guess it’s coaching that’s causing the Washington/Ben Issue. T/Os as well. Definitely the coaches fault players trying to make a play and causing a turnover. Can you refer us to the specific chapter in Sun Tzu’s tome which provides clarification?


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[Stryker]

At this point in the season, we just can’t afford to wait for Washington.His catch per target ratiois very poor.I wonder if Wide ReceiverTevin Jones ( on the practice squad I think ) could offer better at this point in time. He looked good in one pre-season game.

Less Washington means the chance to replace him with Nix or an extra Tight end to run the ball. James has been clutch this year. I'd swap the two out.

No way would I put Tevin Jones on the field. He's more raw than Washington, even with 2 extra years of practice squad experience. Dude doesn't block, and his routes are on par with Washington now. Justin Hunter is your only counter option at this point.

And if you think Tomlin hasn't read The Art of War, you really don't know your coach. One of the most well-read individuals in football, and AoW is college reading.

So which part of AoW would we benefit more? Attacking on Deadly ground? Allowing an escape route for your enemy, so they don't get cornered and fight for their lives? Making sure we attack with the sun at your back?

 

[Ike Kelly]

No way would I put Tevin Jones on the field. He's more raw than Washington, even with 2 extra years of practice squad experience. Dude doesn't block, and his routes are on par with Washington now. Justin Hunter is your only counter option at this point.

And if you think Tomlin hasn't read The Art of War, you really don't know your coach. One of the most well-read individuals in football, and AoW is college reading.

So which part of AoW would we benefit more? Attacking on Deadly ground? Allowing an escape route for your enemy, so they don't get cornered and fight for their lives? Making sure we attack with the sun at your back?

I’m partial to Chp 6. Particularly intrigued by the Vacuity, Substance, Illusion/Reality stanza. Opportunity through observed enemy weaknesses. Hopefully Randy refocuses and remembers this in play calling instead of being enamored with all the weapons at his disposal.


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[Coach]

No way would I put Tevin Jones on the field. He's more raw than Washington, even with 2 extra years of practice squad experience. Dude doesn't block, and his routes are on par with Washington now. Justin Hunter is your only counter option at this point.

And if you think Tomlin hasn't read The Art of War, you really don't know your coach. One of the most well-read individuals in football, and AoW is college reading.

So which part of AoW would we benefit more? Attacking on Deadly ground? Allowing an escape route for your enemy, so they don't get cornered and fight for their lives? Making sure we attack with the sun at your back?

Washington has problems catching a football Cope. We can't afford throwing it his way only to see no catch. He's not fast either. Maybe Jones could do something. I didn't see him dropping passed pre-season, I saw two touchdowns from him. Jones has some good size. Switzer is too short to deploy on the outside. Is giving Jones a chance really going to hurt us? Probably not, but there us upside if he can get open and catch it. Like I said before, phase Washington out. Justin Hunter has had his chances.

I don't know what Tomlin has or has not read, but judging by his approach, if he read this book, he's not applying the lessons.

As for the full quote, I paraphrased it a bit. Here is:

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War


^^^ My points were we should know if Ben throws it 55+ or more times, you'll see interceptions that are his fault or the receivers. Yet we threw it 56 times and only ran it 16. WTF. A failure by the coaches.

We were not pre-pared for Denver's kick blocking either. A strength of theirs.

I think the majority here agree, we need to run the ball more a limit the chances for turnovers. Few teams can stop our run when he commit to It. Nix is a sledge hammer of a full back. Love that guy. McDonald very strong. Ju-Ju, one heck of a blocker as a receiver. Our OL is excellent with many pulling options.

 

[Coach]

I’m partial to Chp 6. Particularly intrigued by the Vacuity, Substance, Illusion/Reality stanza. Opportunity through observed enemy weaknesses. Hopefully Randy refocuses and remembers this in play calling instead of being enamored with all the weapons at his disposal.


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Sun Tzu quotes could have a field day with Tomlin and his coaching staff.

 

[Vader]

At this point, I'd rather have the extra TE instead of Washington. Can keep that TE in to block or run a pattern, with Ben audible to that at the line.

This^^ I like the 2 TE set. If Washington can't handle it yet just use another TE. Makes perfect sense to me.

And if you think Tomlin hasn't read The Art of War, you really don't know your coach. One of the most well-read individuals in football, and AoW is college reading.

I don't know how anyone could possibly know that. Could you even know what one other coach is reading let alone all the other individuals in football? Hell I can't even name all the coaches in the NFL. I sure don't know what they are or are not reading.

 

[slashsteel]

This^^ I like the 2 TE set. If Washington can't handle it yet just use another TE. Makes perfect sense to me.



I don't know how anyone could possibly know that. Could you even know what one other coach is reading let alone all the other individuals in football? Hell I can't even name all the coaches in the NFL. I sure don't know what they are or are not reading.

He said it was college reading. Unless Tomlin's college didn't go over the book.

 

[BLITZ]

I think people are giving up on Washington way to early. I still think he will be an important part f this team this year.

 

[SteveA]

One thing is for damn sure Coach we all thought he had a very good chance of throwing a pick there. Ben does that. He did it last year against NE and he did it last week against JAX (BUT GOT AWAY WITH IT) and he done did it again...

You are right, that is the cost of having Big Ben as your QB and I am cool with that. I just once before the sun goes down on his career he puts together a monster 3-4 playoff games and gets one more.

Matter of fact, that is how I see this season may just freakin' turn out. We get hot at the playoffs , play lights out & run the table.....

Ben has one of those in him, why not this year?

 

[ark steel]

He said it was college reading. Unless Tomlin's college didn't go over the book.

I'm fairly well read. Have never read Art of War. It wasn't even taught in any classes I took.

Had the passing attack been ineffective, I'd agree more with Coach's point. Since it was pretty massively effective, I don't know how many could agree, or why. Even while passing we held the ball 10 more minutes than the Broncos.

How do you know that if you take away 10 of those pass attempts for runs that Connor doesn't fumble another one? That was Grimble's first fumble.

 

[Steelworth]

I'm fairly well read. Have never read Art of War. It wasn't even taught in any classes I took.

Same here. I don't know if it's recommended reading outside of military institutions. Maybe advanced business. Should probably be required reading for Political Science though.

 

[Ike Kelly]

Sun Tzu quotes could have a field day with Tomlin and his coaching staff.

As is does with the majority of your musings.


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[ark steel]

Same here. I don't know if it's recommended reading outside of military institutions. Maybe advanced business. Should probably be required reading for Political Science though.

it is on my list of readings to get to, at least.

 

[Ike Kelly]

I'm fairly well read. Have never read Art of War. It wasn't even taught in any classes I took.

Had the passing attack been ineffective, I'd agree more with Coach's point. Since it was pretty massively effective, I don't know how many could agree, or why. Even while passing we held the ball 10 more minutes than the Broncos.

How do you know that if you take away 10 of those pass attempts for runs that Connor doesn't fumble another one? That was Grimble's first fumble.

The EZ pick was a busted play. Ben’s tendency is to look for a score opportunity when it becomes a schoolyard situation. He’s always done that. Unfortunately, it bit him on that occasion. Ben’s improvising has been a lot more positive than negative. You have to live with both.

Those fumbles were killers, but those guys were trying to make a play. They are young and still growing ion the mental game. Both will learn from it. They have to or won’t be in the league for long. Grimble definitely was trying to show his toughness in his own words, but admitted he should have tried to score differently.


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[Coach]

As is does with the majority of your musings.


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Not really I could bury Tomlin with his quotes if I choose, and seeing that you like the Tzu, that puts you in some mild conflict.

Am I wrong to assume you don't think we should have more of a pass to run balance? I think you pretty much agree with me, but you can clarify if you think throwing it 56 times and running it 16 in a close game is good strategy for us.

 

[Superman]

Cooch - you watched the game. I assume you even recorded it, as I believe you've said you do from time to time.
no, you watch from a bar.

anyway, we ran just 16 times to make the defense at least a bit more honest. Conner in the backfield was chipping Miller or Chubb when he wasnt outright helping block the two of them (whichever side he was called on to assist).

While complaining about the number of times B-INT-jamin threw the ball and prognosticating that it would lead to more INTs, twice this season Ben has thrown 55+ times in a game.
Week 2, KC. 60 attempts, 0 INT
Week 12, Den. 56 attempts, 2 INTs.

By my math, and even with Common Core, that's 116 attempts and 2 picks. 1.72% of his passes are INTs when he throws 55 times or more.

Still, I put this game on Ben. Specifically for the final INT.

 

[ark steel]

The EZ pick was a busted play. Ben’s tendency is to look for a score opportunity when it becomes a schoolyard situation. He’s always done that. Unfortunately, it bit him on that occasion. Ben’s improvising has been a lot more positive than negative. You have to live with both.

Those fumbles were killers, but those guys were trying to make a play. They are young and still growing ion the mental game. Both will learn from it. They have to or won’t be in the league for long. Grimble definitely was trying to show his toughness in his own words, but admitted he should have tried to score differently.


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IMO, that EZ pick was a "I'm throwing it to player A, regardless". There is no way Ben didn't see the one bright orange DB jersey in the way and the other one got pushed back into the path of the ball. That was a bad decision by Ben. He and conner bumped into each other, which might have thrown off his timing. Still, those bright orange jerseys should have been easy to see.

The first int, not so much Ben's fault.

I don't get too upset when Ben's INT's lose us the game. Sometimes he pulls it out to win it, with similar plays. What does bother me is when people don't want to recognize when he cost us a game because they have a different agenda on whose fault it must be.

You don't bench Ben for throwing some picks, you don't bench Grimble for his first fumble ever (that I know of, reg season only, I guess?). Typically, you don't bench your RB who has been playing well most of the year for a couple fumbles. After that fumble, Conner looked defeated on the sideline and I wonder if that had anything to do with not running on the 1st and goal and in he and ben running into each other on the int play.

 

[ark steel]

Not really I could bury Tomlin with his quotes if I choose, and seeing that you like the Tzu, that puts you in some mild conflict.

Am I wrong to assume you don't think we should have more of a pass to run balance? I think you pretty much agree with me, but you can clarify if you think throwing it 56 times and running it 16 in a close game is good strategy for us.

Are you saying you don't want to put the ball in the hands of our best offensive player? In general, you might want more balance, but when you are converting those passes and keeping the ball moving, why would you stop? Oh, wait, so you can ***** about going to "turtle ball"?

In the first quarter, Ben was 64% completion (9 of 14). Second quarter, Ben was 89% (16 of 18). At that point, no int's. And you want to take the ball out of his hands?